Window shade adjustment fixture



April 10, 1934.

C. GARDNER WINDOW SHADE ADJUSTMENT FIXTURE Original Filed Jan'. 21, 1929 zv/ .5 f 5 7/ Z A if 1 2 w a I .1 \i

3 Sheets-Sheet 1 Inventor Attorney April 10, 1934. GARDNER 1,954,076

WINDOW SHADE ADJUSTMENT FIXTURE Original Filed Jan. 21, 1929 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 F g-Z q f 'y m 34 in? Inventor 62411512201395 yardizei M Attorney Original Filed Jan. 21, 1929 3 Sheets-Sheet 5 Inventor (24172222 Mafia 21, 62,161

q B flmwrih Attorney Patented Apr. 10, 1934 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE Cummings Gardner, Los

to S. G. S. Industries, ration ningeles, Calif., assignor Inc., Dover, Del, a corpo- Applioation January 21, 1929, Serial No. 333,938 Renewed September 11, 1933 8 Claims.

The present invention relates to improvements in fixtures for attaching a window shade on a window and has for its principal object to provide a simple and efficient means for supporting and adjusting a window shade roller at any desired height on the window frame for the purpose of regulating light and ventilation either from the lower portion of the window or the upper portion of the window.

Another important object of the invention is to provide a window shade adjustment fixture that is of such construction as to permit the same to be readily and easily attached on a window frame without necessitating any material alterations and which fixture will not present an unsightly appearance in the room.

Still a further object is toprovide a window shade fixture of the above mentioned character that will operate freely and at the same time 29 secure positively and hold the window shade in a regular and even position on the window, thereby preventing theshade from rolling unevenly or flapping or otherwise becoming displaced.

Still a further object is to provide a window shade adjustment fixture that is simple in construction, inexpensive, strong and durable and further well adapted to the purpose for which it is designed.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings.

In the accompanying drawings wherein like reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the same:

Figure l is a front of a window shade adjustment fixture showing my invention applied to a window.

Figure 2 is a fragmentary side elevation of one of the side units of the fixture.

Figure 3 is a fragmentary rear elevation of the vertically disposed tubular guides of each side unit.

Figure 4 is a sectional View taken approximately on the line 4-4 of Figure 1.

Figure 5 is a transverse section takensubstantially upon the line 5-5 of Figure 1.

Figure 6 is a vertical sectional view taken approximately on the line 6-6 of Figure 2, for more clearly disclosing the manner in which one of the shade roller brackets cooperates with the endless chain.

Figure '7 is a view looking at right angles to Figure 6 taken approximately on the line 7-7 of Figure 1.

Figure 8 is a detail of the mountin the sprocket wheels.

Figure 9 is a detail perspective view of the rectangular shaped sleeve that is fitted over each end of the rectangular shaped shaft, and

Figure 10 is a detail perspective view of one of the hub elements.

In the drawings wherein for the purpose .of illustration is shown the preferred embodiment of my invention, the numerals 1 and 2 designate a pair of side units that are adapted to be secured on opposite sides of the window frame A, and as each of these units is of identical construction, the description of one is thought to sufiice for the description of both. Each of the aforesaid side units includes an elongated tubular track 3 that is substantially rectangular in cross section as more clearly disclosed in Figure 5 and a longitudinally extending slot 4 is formed at the inner side of each tubular track for a purpose hereinafter to be more fully described.

The back side of each tubular track is formed at spaced intervals with suitable openings 5 to receive appropriate fastening means whereby these tubular tracks may be secured in a vertical mannor on the respective sides of the window frame A, as clearly suggested in Figure 1. The respective ends of each tubular track member are open.

Substantially channel shaped housings 6 are arranged at the upper ends of the tubular tracks, while similar housings 6' are arranged at the lower end of said tubular tracks. In Figure 4 of the drawings there is more clearly disclosed the manner in which the upper housings are secured to the upper ends of the respective tubular tracks.

The housings consist of casings open at the top and bottom. The rear wall of each upper casing is formed with a keyhole opening 33 to provide for slipping the casing over a headed stud 32 projecting from the back wall of the tubular track. The front wall and sides of the track are cut away so that the upper edges thereof form a rest for the lower edges of the casing when it has been positioned over the stud and this arrangement brings the back wall of the casing against the back wall of the tubular track. The upper housings have the elongated part of their keyhole openings downwardly directed. The lower housings are similar in all respects to the upper housings but are reversed in position. Tightening the chains 13 draws the housings toward each other and into engagement with the cut out end portions of the tracks and prevents their displacement therefrom.

The sides of the upper housings are formed with g for one of upper registering openings. A substantially rec tangular shaft 7 extends across the front face of the upper portion of the window frame, the ends of the shaft being disposed through the alined openings of the respective housings 6, it being understood of course that the diameter of the shaft 7 is materially less than that of the circular openings formed in the sides of the top housings 6.

Fitted over each end of the rectangular shaped shaft '7, is the similar shaped sleeve 8, the respective ends of each sleeve being slit along its edges so that bendable tongues 9 are provided ateach end of each sleeve, and these tongues when bent laterally in an outward direction engage with the flanged portions 10 of the respective hub elements 11.

A pair of these hub members are associated with each end of the shaft 7, and the outer peripheral face of these hubs 11 are fitted within the circular openings formed in the respective sides of the top housing 6, while the bore of each hub is rectangular to accommodate the sleeve 8. The inner faces of the flanges 10 engage with the outer faces of the respective sides of each housing 6 in the manner as clearly shown in Figure 8, and the inner ends of the opposed hubs are arranged in engagement with the opposite side faces of the sprocket wheel 12 that is formed with a rectangular opening for disposition around the intermediate portion of the sleeve 8, and this sprocket wheel is arranged for rotation within each housing 6 as also shown very clearly in Figure 8. However, for use in recessed windows, the inner faces of the flange 10 may be engaged to the inner faces of the respective sides of each housing 6, and the outer ends of the opposed hubs may be arranged in engagement with the opposite side faces of the sprocket wheel 12 that is formed with the rectangular opening for disposition around the intermediate portion of the sleeve 8, and this sprocket wheel is ar ranged for rotation within each housing 6 as also shown very clearly in Figure 8.

An endless sprocket chain 13 is associated with each side unit and one flight of the sprocket chain extends within the tubular track 3 for the entire length thereof, while the other flight is disposed outwardly of the front side of said tubular track. This sprocket chain is trained over the respective sprocket wheels 12 that are arranged in the housing 6 and the lower end of the chain is trained over similar sprocket wheels mounted in the lower housings 6 as indicated in Figure 2.

The invention further comprehends the provision of a turn buckle denoted generally by the numeral 14 for association with each sprocket chain, the turn buckle being operatively connected between the ends of each of the sprocket chains whereby the chain may be loosened or tightened as found necessary.

The provision of the shaft together with the sprocket wheels and sprocket chains provide a means whereby the window shade adjuster may be operated from either side of the window as will be presently explained.

The present invention further comprehends the provision of improved shade roller supporting brackets 15. One of the brackets is formed with a circular disc 16 that is mounted for rotation on the outer end portion of the bracket and this disc is formed with a series of concentrically or spirally arranged spaced apertures 17 that are selectively brought into alinement with a slot 18 formed in the outer end portion of the bracket. This particular bracket is adapted to receive the round pintle that extends from one end of the shade roller 19 on which is wound the conventional window shade 20. The other bracket is formed with a slot 21 with which cooperates any one of the slots 22 formed in the disc 23 also mounted for rotation on the outer end of the bracket.

The flat pintle that extends from the other end of the shade roller is adapted to be disposed in the registering slots 21 and 22. The purpose of the aforementioned construction is to provide a means for maintaining the shade roller in a true horizontal position so that the shade may be wound and unwound in an even manner.

Each bracket is formed at its inner end with the laterally disposed tongues 24 that are arranged at the upper and lower extremities of the inner end portion of each bracket and these tongues extend through the slots 4 of the respective tubular tracks and the free ends of the tongues are disposed laterally as at 25 for cooperation with the adjacent links of the inner flight of the sprocket chain 13 as more clearly disclosed in Figures 6 and 7 of the drawings whereby the brackets and the shade roller supported therebetween will move vertically in unison with the actuation of either one of the endless chains 13 An intermediate pair of lugs 26 extends laterally from the inner end portion of each bracket for disposition through the slot 4 of each tubular track and these tongues or lugs 26 have their free ends bent laterally in opposite directions for engagement with the inner side of the slotted sides of the tubular tracks to provide guides for the respective shade roller supporting brackets during the vertical slidable movement thereof between the spaced tubular tracks. An additional tongue 27 is arranged at the inner end portion of each bracket 5 for disposition against the outer face of the slotted side of each tubular track as more clearly disclosed in Figure 2 for further maintaining the. bracket 15 in proper position for free slidable movement and furthermore the tongues 26 and 2'? provide a means for frictionally holding the shade roller supporting bracket against free sliding movement along the tubular tracks, and prevents the brackets from spreading apart and allowing the shade roller to fall therefrom.

For the purpose of preventing the free swinging or flapping movement of the lower end portion of the curtain when the curtain is unrolled from the shade roller, I provide the metallic clasps 28 that fit around the projecting ends of the stick 29 that extends through the usual 1 loop 30 provided therefrom at the lower edge of the curtain or window shade, and a laterally disposed tongue 31 is formed at the outer end of each clasp for disposition within the slot 4 of the respective tubular tracks, as more clearly disclosed in Figure 5. One of the tongues 31 is bent laterally at right angles while the other remains straight whereby the same may be quickly and easily assembled or removed from the respective tracks.

Upon referring to Figure 5 it will be noted that a portion of the metal from which each of the tubular tracks is constructed is bent back whereby to provide a smooth running surface for the guides associated With the inner ends of the. re-

spective brackets 15, and furthermore this arrangement will serve to strengthen the construction whereby light sheet metal may be used in the manufacture of the tubular tracks.

The operation of my improved window shade adjustment fixture may'bebriefly stated as follows. The shade roller is raised or lowered to the desired position on the Window by pulling either of the two chains and the shade roller can be readily and easily rolled from the top by holding the lower end of the shade and at the same time pulling upon the chain so as to release the roller dogs and cause the same to roll from the top. The shade can be raised or lowered in the usual manner, and the clamps will cooperate with the slotted tubular tracks to prevent flapping of the lower free edge portion of the lowered window shade.

It will thus be seen from the foregoing description that I have provided an adjustable window shade fixture that can be readily and easily installed on a window without necessitating any alterations and furthermore the parts of the device are of such construction as to permit the same to be readily and easily assembled or disassembled. Also a structure of this character will at all times be positive and eflieient in its operation and due to its simplicity may be manufactured and sold at a very low cost.

While I have shown the preferred embodiment of my invention it is to be understood that minor changes in the size, shape and arrangement of parts may be resorted to without departing from the spirit of the invention and the scope of the appended claims.

Having thus described the invention, what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:-

l. A Window shade adjuster of the type including vertical tubular tracks designed to be attached to the opposite sides of a window frame, each of said tracks having a longitudinal slot, the slot of one track facing the slot of the other, an endless sprocket chain operable in each track, the inner flight of each chain extending longitudinaliy within the respective tubular tracks, a shade roller for disposition between the tubular tracks, a bracket for supporting each end of the roller having portions extending into the respective longitudinal slots, and means carried by the brackets insertable through intermediate links of the inner flights of the chains for attaching the brackets for movement with the chains.

2. A window shade adjuster of the type includ ing tubular tracks designed to be attached to the opposite sides of a window frame, each of i said tracks provided with a longitudinal slot, the

slot of one track facing the slot of the other, and a pair of endless chains each having a flight operable within its respective track, a shade roller for disposition between the tubular tracks, a bracket for supporting each end of the shade roller, laterally disposed tongues carried by the inner end of each bracket for disposition through the slot of the respective tubular tracks, the inner ends of the tongues being bent laterally and inserted through the links of the respective chains whereby the shade brackets and the shade roller supported thereby will move in unison with the chains.

3. A window shade. adjuster of the type including tubular tracks designed to be attached to the opposite sides of a window frame, each of said tracks provided with a longitudinal slot, the slot of one track facing the slot of the other, and a pair of endless chains each having a flight operable within its respective track, a shade roller for disposition between the tubular tracks, a bracket for supporting each end of the shade roller, laterally disposed tongues carried by the inner end of each bracket for disposition through the slot of the respective tubular tracks, the inper ends of the tongues being bent laterally and inserted through the links of the respective chains whereby the shade brackets and the shade roller supported thereby will move in unison with the chains, and additional laterally disposed tongues formed on the inner end portion of each bracket for frictional engagement with the inner side walls of the respective tubular tracks to retain the brackets in vertically adjusted position.

4. A window shade adjuster of the type including vertical tubular tracks designed for attaching ing to the opposite sides of a window frame each of said tracks having a longitudinal slot, the slot of one track facing the slot of the other, a shade roller disposed between said tracks, a bracket supporting each end of the shade roller and laterally disposed tongues carried by the bracket for disposition through the slot of the respective tubular track and adapted for frictionally engaging the sides of the track for retaining the bracket in a predetermined adjusted position.

5. In a window shade adjuster of the type having a pair of tubular tracks adapted for mounting at the opposite sides of a window frame each of said tracks having a longitudinal slot, the slot of one track facing the slot of the other, a shade roller bracket associated with each of said tracks and adapted for rotatably supporting an end of the shade roller, tongues carried by each bracket and inserted through the slot of the respective rack, endless chains having each one flight operable in its track and engageable with the tongues of the bracket for movement as a unit and means carried by the bracket and frictionally engageable with the walls of the track for securing the bracket against gravitating movement.

6. In a window shade adjuster of the type having a pair of tubular tracks adapted for mount- 1.1;-

ing at the opposite sides of a window frame each of said tracks having a longitudinal slot, the slot of one track facing the slot of the other, a shade roller bracket associated with each of said tracks and adapted for rotatably supporting an end of the shade roller, tongues carried by each bracket and inserted through the slot of the respective track, endless chains having each one flight operable in its track and engageable with the tongue of the bracket for movement as a unit, and means carried by the bracket and inserted through the opening of the respective track for frictionally engaging the edges of said opening upon downward pressure exerted upon the outer end of the bracket for securing said bracket against movement during the operation of the shade.

'7. A window shade adjuster of the type comprising a pair of tubular tracks each having a longitudinal slotted opening, endless members each having one flight disposed within the respective tracks, a rotatable member at the upper and lower ends of each track about which train and endless member and means operatively connecting the rotatable members for uniform movement comprising housings at the end of the track, a rod of non-circular formation in cross section having its ends inserted through a pair of the housings, a tubular sleeve mounted on each end of the rods and inserted through the rotatable members, a bushing carried by each sleeve to provide a rotatable mounting therefor, each of said bushings having its inner end abutting an opposite side of the rotatable member for spacing the latter from the walls of the housing and a flange formed on the outer end of the sleeve and outer end of the bracket having holes therein which are adapted to be selectively registered with the slots in the end portion and receive one end of the shade roller axle, said holes being located at variable distances from the center of the disc for adjustment of the shade roller outwardly and upwardly, and inwardly and downward- 1y. CUMMINGS GARDNER. 

